Highlights
- Android 17 leak suggests notifications and Quick Settings may move to a split panel layout
- New notification panel design focuses on foldable phones and large screens
- Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles return as separate toggles in Android 17
A new Android 17 leak is getting attention because it talks about a clear change in how notifications and Quick Settings may work. According to early reports, Google is testing a layout where notifications and Quick Settings are no longer in one place.
Instead, Android 17 may split them into two different panels. This change looks mainly made for foldable phones and large screens, but regular phones may also see it in some form. Along with this, the leak also shows changes to Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles, something many Android users have been asking for.
What the Leak Shows
Mystic Leaks was the first to reveal details about the upcoming features of the new Android OS via a leaked internal build made available on their Telegram page. Other publications, including Android Authority and 9to5Google, later published similar reports with supporting evidence (screenshot & video).
Both screenshots and videos demonstrate the new “pull-down” look. It does not look like a rough test. It looks planned and already usable. This suggests Google is seriously trying this layout for Android 17.
Notifications and Quick Settings May Be Separate
How the New Panel Works
The leaked version of Android 17 depicts a difference in functionality for the top swipe action. When a user swipes down from the left-hand side of the screen, they only access their notifications; however, when the user swipes down from the right-hand side of the screen, they gain access to Quick Settings.
The options available in Quick Settings include Wi-Fi, mobile data, Bluetooth, flashlight, brightness controls, and other options. Although many Android users may be familiar with Quick Settings through past iterations of Android. Many brands already use this style in their custom software.
Focus on Foldable Phones
The main reason behind this change seems to be foldable devices. On big screens, the old single panel often feels crowded. With the new design, notifications and controls can sit side by side. Leaks suggest that on foldables and tablets, users may not get an option to go back to the old combined panel. On normal phones, Google may still allow both layouts.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Buttons Are Changing Again
Separate Toggles Are Back
Another part of the leak that stands out is the return of separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles. In recent Android versions, Google merged both into one “Internet” button. Users had to tap again to choose Wi-Fi or mobile data. Many people did not like this change. It made simple actions slower. Android 17 seems to bring back individual buttons, which makes switching networks quicker and easier.
Small UI Tweaks Seen in the Leak
The leaked build also shows some small interface updates. The clock and status icons move slightly when the split panel is active. The volume slider appears under the brightness bar in Quick Settings. These are not big changes, but they improve daily use.
Why Google Is Testing This Design
Better Layout for Large Screens
Android was first made for small phones. Foldables changed that. The old notification shade does not scale well on wide displays. Splitting notifications and Quick Settings gives more space and reduces clutter. It also helps Google prepare Android for future devices with bigger screens.
Mixed Reactions From Users
Not everyone will like this idea. Some users feel the split layout needs extra swipes and may not be easy with one hand. Others say it looks too close to how iOS handles notifications and controls. If Google gives users the choice to keep the old layout, it could avoid backlash.
When Android 17 Is Expected
Android 17 is still under development. Google has not officially announced any of these changes. Developer previews and beta versions are expected later this year. That’s when users will know if this design stays or gets dropped. As always, leaked features can change before final release.
Final Note
Android 17’s leaked notification changes show Google is rethinking how Android should work on modern devices. The split panel, if done right, could make Android cleaner on foldables and tablets. For now, it remains a test. Whether users like it or not will depend on how much control Google gives them.
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